Jimmy Talks Construction

James Starbuck

Jimmy Talks Construction is an Australian construction podcast focused on real conversations with builders, contractors, tradies, and business owners across the construction industry. Each episode dives into construction business growth, civil construction, earthmoving, excavation, leadership on site, hiring subcontractors, scaling trade businesses, and the real challenges of running a construction company in Australia. From infrastructure projects and heavy machinery to cash flow, management, and lessons learned the hard way, this podcast shares honest insights from people building successful construction businesses from the ground up.

  1. Illan Samuel (Managing Director of Samuel Property) – Jimmy Talks Construction

    2D AGO

    Illan Samuel (Managing Director of Samuel Property) – Jimmy Talks Construction

    Episode 41 of Jimmy Talks Construction features Illan Samuel, Managing Director of Samuel Property Group, breaking down the reality of property development in today’s market. From running multi-residential projects worth hundreds of millions to navigating rising costs, delays, and financing challenges, Illan shares what it actually takes to survive — and grow — in the development game. This episode dives into the real pressures developers face, including interest rates, construction escalation, red tape, and why time is the biggest cost in any project. The conversation covers: Why development is harder now than everThe reality of cost blowouts and delaysHow developers manage risk and cash flowThe importance of hiring the right peopleWhy most people shouldn’t become developersLessons from scaling to $100M–$300M projects If you’re in construction, property, or business, this is a raw and honest look at how large-scale developments actually get done. Listen if you want real-world insights into: construction management, demolition, recycling, infrastructure projects, subcontractor relationships, and scaling a construction business. Connect with Illan: 🌐 Website: https://www.samuel.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuel.property/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illan_samuel/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samuelproperty/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samuel-property-pty-ltd/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/illansamuel/ Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/

    1h 8m
  2. Jesse Campbell (Construction Manager of City Circle Group) – Jimmy Talks Construction

    MAR 31

    Jesse Campbell (Construction Manager of City Circle Group) – Jimmy Talks Construction

    In Episode 40 of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Jesse Campbell, Construction Manager at City Circle — one of Australia’s largest demolition and recycling companies. This episode dives deep into the reality of modern construction, from the shift away from traditional builders to project management-driven companies, through to the challenges of scaling large infrastructure projects across Victoria and Australia. Jesse shares insights from over 20 years in the industry, including his transition from tier-one building into demolition, and how City Circle has scaled to process nearly 2 million tonnes of concrete annually through demolition, recycling, and material reuse. The conversation covers: Why the construction industry has become more transactionalThe biggest mistakes in construction management todayHow large-scale demolition projects are actually deliveredThe pressure of major infrastructure projects and unrealistic timelinesWhy businesses can grow fast but still underperformThe real role of middle management in construction companiesHow collaboration between subcontractors can improve outcomesIf you’re in construction, civil, earthmoving, or running a contracting business, this episode gives a raw and honest look at what’s really happening on-site and behind the scenes. Listen if you want real-world insights into: construction management, demolition, recycling, infrastructure projects, subcontractor relationships, and scaling a construction business. Connect with Jesse: 🌐 Website: https://www.citycirclegroup.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citycirclegroup/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycirclegroup/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-campbell-a302398a/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-circle-group/?originalSubdomain=au Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/

    1h 7m
  3. Jake Gorry (Director of Proline Metal Cladding) – Jimmy Talks Construction

    MAR 24

    Jake Gorry (Director of Proline Metal Cladding) – Jimmy Talks Construction

    In Episode 39 of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Jake Gorry, founder and director of Proline Group — one of Australia’s fastest-growing cladding and façade contractors. Jake shares his journey from starting as a young carpenter working with his dad, to building a multi-division business delivering large-scale commercial cladding projects across Melbourne. The conversation dives deep into how Proline identified an opportunity in architectural metal cladding, mastered a niche skillset, and scaled from small residential jobs into working with Tier 1 builders on major projects. Jake breaks down the realities of building a construction business from the ground up — from cash flow challenges and early mistakes, to hiring, culture, and managing rapid growth across multiple sites and teams. Jimmy and Jake also discuss: How Proline grew from small jobs into major commercial projectsThe importance of cash flow and getting paid fastWhy culture is everything when scaling a construction businessThe risks and rewards of backing yourself in businessLessons from hiring, firing, and working with friends and familyWhy delivering bad news quickly builds long-term trustThe transition from on-the-tools to running a large operationHow systems, training, and leadership drive sustainable growthThis episode is packed with insights for contractors, business owners, and anyone looking to scale within the construction industry. Connect with Jake: 🌐 Website: https://www.prolinemetalcladding.com.au/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BehindTheFacadeShow 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prolinegroupau 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prolinemetalcladding/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/proline-aus/ Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/

    1h 17m
  4. Shane Coleman (Director of Coleman Earth Industries) – Jimmy Talks Construction

    MAR 17

    Shane Coleman (Director of Coleman Earth Industries) – Jimmy Talks Construction

    In Episode 38 of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Shane Coleman, founder of Coleman Earth Industries and a former top-tier mining excavator operator. Shane shares his journey growing up in North Queensland, learning to operate machinery from a young age, and eventually working his way through Australia’s mining industry operating some of the largest excavators in the world. The conversation dives deep into the mindset required to become an elite digger operator, the importance of work ethic on mine sites, and how performance and reputation follow you throughout the industry. Shane explains how he walked away from a high-paying mining job to start his own excavation business, buying a 30-ton excavator and beginning the difficult process of finding work from scratch. From cold messaging companies on LinkedIn to door knocking civil contractors, he shares the realities of starting an earthmoving business with no guaranteed work. Jimmy and Shane also discuss: What separates elite operators from average onesThe techniques used to maximise production on large mining excavatorsWhy work ethic is the most valuable currency in the industryThe transition from employee to business ownerThe realities of building a reputation in construction and civil contractingWhy some operators move over 100,000 tonnes in a single shift This episode is packed with insights for anyone working in mining, civil construction, or looking to start their own earthmoving business. Connect with Shane: 🌐 Website: https://colemanearth.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleman_earth/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/shane-coleman-376219103 Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/

    1h 11m
  5. Dirty Business FINALE with David Nicoll (CEO of SANY America) | Episode 5

    MAR 10

    Dirty Business FINALE with David Nicoll (CEO of SANY America) | Episode 5

    In the grand finale of Dirty Business, live and recorded during Conexpo week in Las Vegas, Jimmy Starbuck sits down with David Nicoll, CEO of SANY America, to discuss the future of construction equipment, global manufacturing, and the rapidly evolving heavy equipment market. David shares his journey through nearly three decades at Caterpillar before joining SANY and leading the company’s expansion in North America. The conversation dives into the challenges of breaking into established equipment markets, building strong dealer networks, and delivering reliable machines and support to contractors. Recorded during ConExpo in Las Vegas, the discussion also explores SANY’s growing presence in the United States, the introduction of new machines, and the company’s long-term strategy to compete with established industry brands. Jimmy and David also talk about global supply chains, tariffs, infrastructure investment, and how emerging technologies such as AI, telematics, and automation are shaping the future of construction equipment. Topics include: David Nicoll’s career at Caterpillar and transition to SANYSANY’s expansion in North AmericaManufacturing equipment in the United StatesConExpo and new machine launchesDealer networks and product supportTariffs and global supply chainsAI and new technology in construction equipmentThe future of infrastructure and heavy equipment markets Connect with David: 🌐 Website: https://www.sanyamerica.com/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sanyamerica7669 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanyamerica/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-e-nicoll/ Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Subscribe for the full Vegas series.

    46 min
  6. Dirty Business with Devin Dyer, Matt Stanley, Eric Jumper & Missy Scherber | Episode 4

    MAR 6

    Dirty Business with Devin Dyer, Matt Stanley, Eric Jumper & Missy Scherber | Episode 4

    Episode 4 of the Dirty Business podcast series was recorded live during ConExpo in Las Vegas and features a panel of construction industry leaders sharing their real experiences running businesses in the heavy civil and excavation industries. Jimmy sits down with: Devin Dyer (@dirtgearco) Matt Stanley (@mttstanley) Eric Jumper (@eric_jumper) Missy Scherber (@missyscherber) Powered by SANY (https://www.instagram.com/sanyoceania/) The group discusses the pressures of running a company, managing crews and equipment, balancing family life with business growth, and the mental challenges that come with leadership. The panel also explores branding in construction, the rise of social media in the industry, and why documenting the people behind the work matters. From starting companies with nothing to managing dozens of employees and millions of dollars in projects, this conversation highlights both the struggles and the successes behind modern construction businesses. This episode is part of the Dirty Business series filmed during ConExpo, bringing together some of the most influential voices in construction, heavy equipment, and contracting. Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Subscribe for the full Vegas series.

    1h 44m
  7. Dirty Business with Stephanie Dailey, Dane Cotten, Caleb Auman & Sean Coghlan | Episode 3

    MAR 5

    Dirty Business with Stephanie Dailey, Dane Cotten, Caleb Auman & Sean Coghlan | Episode 3

    Dirty Business continues in Las Vegas with another construction industry roundtable hosted by Jimmy Starbuck. In Episode 3, Jimmy sits down with: Stephanie Dailey (@stephaniebuildsit) Dane Cotten (@dcexcavation) Caleb Auman (@aumanlandscapellc) Sean Coghlan (@shamrockseanj) Powered by SANY (https://www.instagram.com/sanyoceania/) Powered by Each guest brings a unique perspective from across residential construction, landscaping, and excavation. From building luxury homes and outdoor living spaces to running excavation companies, the panel discusses what it actually takes to operate successful contracting businesses while also building a presence online. Filmed during CONEXPO week in Las Vegas, the conversation dives into the reality of balancing multiple roles as modern contractors — running companies, building teams, managing projects, and increasingly creating content that represents the industry to the outside world. Topics discussed in this episode include: • The reality of running construction businesses while creating content • Social media and its impact on the construction industry • Legitimacy and credibility in the age of construction influencers • Growing contracting businesses and managing teams • Attracting the next generation into the trades Dirty Business brings together influential voices across construction for honest conversations about the challenges, opportunities, and future of the industry. No scripts. No corporate spin. Just real discussions from people building businesses every day. Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Subscribe for the full Vegas series.

    1h 27m
  8. Dirty Business with Taylor White, EJ Herron, Zach Taylor & Tom Gardocki | Episode 2

    MAR 4

    Dirty Business with Taylor White, EJ Herron, Zach Taylor & Tom Gardocki | Episode 2

    Dirty Business continues in Las Vegas with another roundtable hosted by Jimmy Starbuck. In Episode 2, Jimmy sits down with: Taylor White – https://www.instagram.com/kwc2000/ EJ Herron – https://www.instagram.com/dig_it_digital_gps/ Zach Taylor – https://www.instagram.com/_taylorthings/ Tom Gardocki – https://www.instagram.com/the_dirt_ninja/ Powered by SANY (https://www.instagram.com/sanyoceania/) Filmed during CONEXPO week in Las Vegas, the panel dives into the real challenges contractors face — from scaling companies and building strong teams to navigating risk, reputation, and the responsibility that comes with running construction businesses. Each guest brings a different perspective from across the construction world, creating an honest conversation about what it actually takes to succeed in this industry. Topics discussed in this episode include: • The reality of running construction companies • Leadership and building strong teams • Lessons from growing businesses in construction • Reputation and credibility in the industry • Opportunities and challenges facing contractors today Dirty Business brings together some of the most influential voices in construction for unfiltered conversations about the industry. No scripts. No corporate spin. Just real discussions from people who are building businesses every day. Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Subscribe for the full Vegas series.

    1h 28m

About

Jimmy Talks Construction is an Australian construction podcast focused on real conversations with builders, contractors, tradies, and business owners across the construction industry. Each episode dives into construction business growth, civil construction, earthmoving, excavation, leadership on site, hiring subcontractors, scaling trade businesses, and the real challenges of running a construction company in Australia. From infrastructure projects and heavy machinery to cash flow, management, and lessons learned the hard way, this podcast shares honest insights from people building successful construction businesses from the ground up.

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